A pertinent question timely asked! 17 Years After Balarabe Musa’s Lecture, How has Africa Done?

Join the discussion as we countdown to the 19th edition of the Wole Soyinka Lecture Series, themed: Democracy, Good Governance and Development in Africa- The Need for Effective and Visionary Leadership.

Let us take a look again at the 2nd edition of the Wole Soyinka Lecture Series. Delivered in 1999 by Balarabe Musa, a 2nd republic Governor of Kaduna State. The theme of the lecture was: Progressives and Democratic Development in Nigeria since the 1950’s.

In the lecture, Balarabe Musa opined that “The high expectations of the people for the eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance and the liquidation of disunity and the strangle hold of Imperialism have been completely frustrated and dashed. Reactionary tribalists are raising their shrill loud and croaking voices in sermons of hate. These enemies of unity are busy turning brother against brother, group against group, tribe against tribe and region against region.”

Going further, he outlined 10 points which progressives ought to commit to, for democratic development in Nigeria:

1. National Unity
2. Sustainable economic development
3. Promotion of Democratic culture and practice
4. Promotion of the rule of law
5. Institutionalization of public accountability
6. Ecologically friendly environmental management
7. Leading role of the state in economic management
8. Corrective measures
9. Proper roles for organisations of workers
10. African Unity

Do you think this list is pertinent to Africa? In your opinion, 17 Years After Balarabe Musa’s Lecture, How has Africa Done?

Join the conversation. We will love to read your views.